Sachin Tendulkar’s Kerala Blasters inch closer to ISL 2016 semis

Kerala Blasters took a massive step towards the semi-finals of the Indian Super League after setting aside the challenge of FC Pune City 2-1 for their fourth consecutive victory at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi, on Friday. Kerala Blasters were hammered 0-5 by Mumbai City FC in their previous match, played away in Mumbai, but backed by a capacity crowd at Nehru Stadium in Kochi, Kerala Blasters returned to winning ways with goals from Duckens Nazon (7th minute) and Aaron Hughes (57th minute). Anibal Zurdo managed to pull one back for the visitors in the second minute of added time but that came too late for the Pune City. The victory took Kerala Blasters to the third spot with 18 points from 12 matches, the same as Atletico de Kolkata who have a better goal difference. Kerala Blasters now need only a win from their remaining two matches.